Texans notes: Ball sits again; Gronkowski will be a problem and more

Ball only player to sit out practice
Alan Ball was the only Texan who didn’t practice Wednesday as the Texans were driven indoors because of the day-long rains. The cornerback is coming off a foot injury and coach Gary Kubiak didn’t want to expose him to the stresses of practicing on the artificial turf inside the Methodist Training Center bubble.

But Kubiak said Ball is fine and will be fully in the mix Thursday when the Texans – presumably – return to the grass outside. The fields are well-drained and no precipitation is expected Thursday afternoon.

“Coming off the foot (injury), we just thought we’d protect him today,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “He’ll go back to work (Thursday).”

Ball is one of the team’s best special teams players.

Don’t put it all on Schaub
But Kubiak said Ball is fine and will be fully in the mix Thursday when the Texans — presumably – return to the grass outside. The fields are well-drained and no precipitation is expected Thursday afternoon.

Kubiak fielded a number of questions about quarterback Matt Schaub’s recent struggles but said it’s not sink-or-swim for Schaub Sunday if the Texans are to advance to the AFC Championship Game.

“He’s going to have to play at a high level,” Kubiak conceded but added, “We all are.”

It’s Schaub’s first playoff road game after nine seasons in the NFL and, yes, experience matters. If it didn’t, Kubiak said, “you wouldn’t see buys like Tom (Brady) and Peyton (Manning) going there so much. The stage does get bigger. Everything picks up. But this is (Schaub’s) opportunity to get those chances as a player. He’s been working really hard for nine years to get here.”

Gronk will be a load for Texans
The Patriots routed the Texans 42-14 Dec. 10 without Rob Gronkowski, but the Pro Bowl tight end will be on the field this time and that presents problems for the Texans defense.

“He’s exceptional,” Kubiak said. “I’ll tell you what, if the ball’s close, he’s going to catch it. The thing about him, people are playing with corners and safeties on him and it’s just hard. If you get in there and bang with him, you’re going to lose the battle. It’s a big, big challenge for us.

“(The Patriots) spread the field with big people and that makes the matchups tough.”

Graham to get first crack at Pats
Starting tight end Owen Daniels had season highs with nine catches for 91 yards against Cincinnati. Garrett Graham made big catches, too, including one that secured the victory.

Garrett, who missed the first New England game, was the victim of a helmet-to-helmet hit against the Bengals, but it won’t keep him out of Sunday’s game.

“Garrett has played a lot of football for us, and that (Patriots) was one game that he missed, so all of the experience that he affords and then the different personnel packages, it gives you a lot more flexibility,” offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said. “He, along with anybody else that we can get to this game that’s played a lot of football, will help us. It’s a tough task for us.”

Newton peaking at the right time
Right tackle Derek Newton also missed the first New England game. He’s back in the lineup and coming off perhaps his best game in the victory over Cincinnati.

“Derek has really come along,” left tackle Duane Brown said. “I think last week was the best game he’s had, and I think he will really help us out this week. He’s a dominant force in the run game. His pass protection has really picked up in the last couple of weeks. I’m excited to watch him work out there.

“H’s really progressed this year. I’m proud of the progress he’s made. I think in the run game especially, we’re a different group. He’s a strong, just powerful guy. And he finishes plays, so that’s something we’ll need out there.”